Methadone clinic denied by state

The state of Tennessee has shot down a proposal to open a controversial rehab clinic in Johnson City.

Raymond Perkinson does not agree with methadone clinics. "Dope is dope, either way you look at it," he says.

So when he heard an opiate addiction treatment facility could be coming to Johnson City, he fought it. "I wrote two letters to the state, and I've contacted people by the phone," he explained.

Last month in a public hearing, the managing partner of the company wanting to open the facility said it would be a way to wean people off of opiates by using suboxone, methadone, and other drug treatments.

But Perkinson says that doesn't work. "It's ridiculous. I'm strictly against methadone. There's one way to quit drugs and you've got to want to quit," he said.

When he heard Wednesday the Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency denied the company, Tri-Cities Holdings, a certificate of need required to open the facility, he was relieved. "I'm glad the people stood up. I wasn't the only one and we just don't need it here," Perkinson continues.

Right now, we have no word on why the certificate was denied. But we do know many people were listed in opposition to the proposal.